ENG-1970 — Page 221

COMMUNICATIONS

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to the size of the Boeing 747 were completed and brought into operation, enabling passengers to board and disembark from aircraft with greater speed, comfort and safety. The handling capacity of the terminal building is now 2,200 passengers per hour.

As a result of extensive modifications, the capacity of the freight terminal was doubled, permitting 70,000 metric tons of cargo a year to be handled. Further expansion of this building is not possible and consultants have been engaged to prepare a detailed scheme for a new fully consolidated air cargo terminal for all carriers using the airport.

All the taxiways were widened in time for the advent of Boeing 747 services on April 11, Hong Kong being the fourth airport outside the USA to receive this aircraft. Construction commenced in October to extend the runway by 2,530 feet and this will result in a paved runway surface of 11,130 feet becoming available by mid 1973. Extensive enlargements of aircraft parking areas con- tinued as part of the phased development to provide accommoda- tion for 25 large transport aircraft on the long-term and main- tenance parking areas. The terminal apron will provide 24 bays by the end of 1971.

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The continuing increase in aircraft movements has brought a need for improved and more sophisticated equipment for air traffic control. A scheme for increasing traffic handling capability includes an additional radar for approach surveillance purposes and the re-siting and improving of the existing terminal area radar. An instrument approach system has been installed to the north-west end of the runway to provide approach guidance to runway 13 and feasibility trials were successfully completed, paving the way for full operational availability next year.

Airport terminal operations are assisted by the Hong Kong Air Terminal Services Limited who provide a centralised system of baggage handling, processing and transportation of passengers on the aircraft parking area. Aircraft maintenance is provided by the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co Ltd which offers overhaul and repair services for a wide range of aircraft. This year the company completed construction of a new hangar capable of accommodating aircraft of Boeing 747 size.